There are around 40% of children and young people across England and Wales currently affected by sleep issues.

In children and young people, poor sleep patterns adversely affect learning and cognitive ability which means they often fail to meet their full potential in school. Sleep deprivation is also linked to obesity and mental health. Children’s sleep problems are associated with high levels of parental stress and increase the risk of day time behaviour problems arising.

Lisa Artis head of The Sleep Council, Vicki Dawson, CEO and founder of The Children’s Sleep Charity and cognitive developmental psychologist and Dr Anna Weighall, reader in Cognitive and Developmental Psychology at University of Sheffield, joined us to answer your questions. The clinic is now closed but you can view the questions and answers here.

The Sleep Council is an impartial, advisory organisation that promotes the benefits of a good night’s sleep to health and wellbeing. Visit the Sleep Council charity page to find out more.